The tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, has ignited a firestorm of controversy and calls for justice, particularly surrounding the arrest and remand of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ife. The event, organized by Naomi’s Women in Need of Guidance and Support Foundation, aimed to provide a day of joy for 5,000 underprivileged children. However, the influx of over 7,500 attendees led to a chaotic surge at the gates, resulting in the heartbreaking deaths of 35 children. Naomi, along with the CEO of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, and the principal of the hosting school, Fasasi Abdullahi, were subsequently arrested and charged with conspiracy, causing death by negligence, endangering public safety, and failing to provide adequate security and medical facilities.
The incident has sparked a wave of support for Naomi, with over 12,000 individuals signing an online petition demanding a fair trial. Petitioners argue that Naomi’s intentions were purely charitable, aiming to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable children. They contend that she has been unfairly entangled in the legal proceedings and emphasize the importance of an impartial judicial process, free from bias and external influence. They assert that Naomi’s actions were motivated by compassion and that she should not be held responsible for the unforeseen tragedy. The petition underscores the need for transparency and accountability within the judicial system, urging authorities to ensure that the proceedings are conducted with integrity and fairness.
Adding to the chorus of voices advocating for Naomi’s release is her mother, Funmilayo Ogunseyi, who, in a widely circulated video, made an impassioned plea to President Bola Tinubu and prominent Nigerians to intervene in her daughter’s case. Claiming that Naomi’s predicament stems from an “order from above,” Ogunseyi alleges the involvement of powerful individuals orchestrating her daughter’s ordeal. She emotionally describes Naomi’s fragile health and insists on her innocence, emphasizing that her daughter is not a killer but rather a compassionate individual who sought to help those in need. This emotional appeal further fuels the narrative of persecution surrounding Naomi’s arrest, casting doubt on the objectivity of the legal proceedings.
However, the Oyo State Government vehemently denies any involvement in persecuting Naomi. The state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, dismisses the insinuations as laughable, questioning the purported motive for victimizing her. He emphasizes the government’s lack of prior knowledge of the event and Naomi’s activities, asserting that there was no formal notification or documentation submitted through the established channels. Oyelade maintains that the government has no relationship with Naomi and no reason to interfere with the judicial process. He stresses the importance of allowing justice to take its course, regardless of the individuals involved, highlighting this as a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
Contradicting the government’s claim of ignorance regarding the event, a video has emerged depicting a meeting between Naomi and the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Toyin Balogun, just one day prior to the ill-fated funfair. In the video, Balogun is seen actively engaging with Naomi, inquiring about the program’s details and expressing admiration for the initiative. She commends Naomi’s efforts to bring joy to underprivileged children, particularly those with special needs, and pledges the support of the Oyo State Government and the Ministry of Women Affairs. This video evidence directly challenges the government’s assertion of being unaware of the planned event, raising questions about the transparency and accuracy of their statements.
The case of Prophetess Naomi Ogunwusi has become a focal point of public discussion, highlighting the complex interplay of justice, compassion, and accountability. While the tragic loss of 35 young lives demands a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action, the fervent support for Naomi and the emerging evidence raise serious concerns about the impartiality of the proceedings. The conflicting narratives between the government’s claims of non-involvement and the video evidence of a pre-event meeting further cloud the situation, fueling speculation and demands for a transparent and unbiased judicial process. The unfolding legal battle promises to be closely watched as the public seeks answers and justice for the victims while simultaneously demanding fairness for Naomi, whose charitable intentions resulted in an unimaginable tragedy.
